Appliance hub
Bosch Washing Machine Fault Codes
Browse the available Bosch washing machine fault codes in one place, then open the exact code page for the likely meaning, safe first steps, and when to stop troubleshooting.
Browse the parent brand page: Bosch
Most common faults to check first
Common problems in this cluster
drainage problems
Start with E18, then compare 2 related code pages in this cluster.
fill water problems
Start with E29, then compare 2 related code pages in this cluster.
leak and overflow problems
Start with E30, then compare 2 related code pages in this cluster.
door lock problems
Start with E16, then compare 1 related code pages in this cluster.
heating problems
Start with E19, then compare 1 related code pages in this cluster.
motor drive problems
Start with F21, then compare 1 related code pages in this cluster.
Common fault categories
drainage
3 related codes
fill water
3 related codes
leak and overflow
3 related codes
door lock
2 related codes
heating
2 related codes
motor drive
2 related codes
Most searched / most useful codes
E30 meaning and fix
Overflow or leak protection has been triggered
F21 meaning and fix
Motor drive or drum movement issue
E29 meaning and fix
The washer is not filling with water properly.
E20 meaning and fix
Motor drive or drum movement issue
E23 meaning and fix
Overflow or leak protection has been triggered
E28 meaning and fix
Control or wiring communication fault
All fault codes in this cluster
18 code pages currently available for this brand and appliance cluster.
| Code | Meaning | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| E16 | Door locking or door sensing problem | medium |
| E17 | Water is not entering the machine properly | medium |
| E18 | The washer cannot drain within the expected time | medium |
| E19 | Water heating fault | medium |
| E20 | Motor drive or drum movement issue | high |
| E23 | Overflow or leak protection has been triggered | high |
| E25 | The machine is not draining water correctly | medium |
| E26 | Water level or pressure sensing fault | medium |
| E27 | Power supply or voltage issue | medium |
| E28 | Control or wiring communication fault | high |
| E29 | The washer is not filling with water properly. | medium |
| E30 | Overflow or leak protection has been triggered | high |
| E36 | Door locking or door sensing problem | medium |
| F17 | Water is not entering the machine properly | medium |
| F18 | The machine is not draining water correctly | medium |
| F19 | Water heating fault | medium |
| F21 | Motor drive or drum movement issue | high |
| F23 | Overflow or leak protection has been triggered | high |
Useful guides
Common Washing Machine Error Codes Explained
Use this guide to identify what your washing machine error code is pointing to, what to check first, and when it is better to stop troubleshooting and call an engineer.
Why Your Washing Machine Won't Drain
Understand the usual signs of a drainage fault, what you can safely inspect first, and when a blocked filter, hose, or pump needs professional help.
Best Washing Machine Setting for Everyday Laundry
A mixed or easy-care wash at 30°C to 40°C is the best everyday setting for most households, provided the load is not too full and fabrics are not too heavy.
Best Washing Machine Setting for Towels
Use a cottons programme, 40°C to 60°C, and a high spin for towels. Avoid overloading, too much detergent, and fabric softener build-up.
Clothes Still Dirty After Washing Machine
Dirty clothes after washing are usually caused by overloading, the wrong programme, too low a temperature for the soil level, poor detergent dosing, or a rinse/drain problem.
Mixed Load vs Cottons on a Washing Machine
Use mixed for everyday clothing with varied fabrics. Use cottons for towels, bedding, robust cotton garments, and heavier loads that need a longer wash.
Washing Machine Leaves Residue on Clothes
Residue is often caused by too much detergent, overloading, low water movement, short cycles, poor rinsing, or drainage issues.
Washing Machine Not Cleaning Properly
Start by reducing the load, using a suitable full-length programme, checking detergent dose, and comparing drainage or foam-related faults if laundry is soapy or wet.
Washing Machine Smells After Wash: What Setting Should You Use?
Use a hotter cottons wash for towels and bedding where allowed, avoid overloading, reduce detergent if needed, and check whether poor drainage is contributing to smells.
Washing Machine Symbols Explained
Most symbols point to fabric type or cycle stage: cottons, synthetics, delicates, wool, rinse, spin, drain, eco, and quick wash.
What Setting for Gym Clothes
Use a synthetics, sportswear, or delicate programme at 30°C with a moderate spin. Avoid fabric softener and avoid mixing gym wear with towels.
What Setting to Use for Washing Clothes
For most mixed everyday clothes, use a mixed or synthetic programme at 30°C or 40°C with a moderate spin, then adjust for towels, bedding, delicates, and heavily soiled items.
What Setting to Wash Bed Sheets
Most cotton bed sheets suit a cottons cycle at 40°C, with 60°C useful for hygiene where the label allows. Do not overload the drum with bulky bedding.
What Temperature to Wash Clothes in the UK
Use 30°C for lightly worn clothes, 40°C for more soiled everyday items, and 60°C for towels, bedding, or hygiene loads where the care label allows.
Best Setting for Dark Clothes
Wash dark clothes inside out on a mixed, synthetics, or darks programme at 30°C, using a moderate spin and a detergent suited to colours.
How to Wash Whites Properly
Wash whites separately, use a suitable detergent, choose 40°C for most white clothing, and use 60°C for white towels or bedding where labels allow.
SpeedPerfect vs EcoPerfect on Bosch Washing Machines
SpeedPerfect is generally for reducing wash time, while EcoPerfect is generally for saving energy. The right choice depends on the load, soil level, and whether speed or efficiency matters more.
Washing Machine Setting for Baby Clothes
Use a baby-care, cottons, or mixed programme depending on fabric, usually at 40°C, with an extra rinse where skin sensitivity or detergent residue is a concern.
What Does EcoPerfect Mean on a Bosch Washing Machine?
EcoPerfect is generally an energy-saving option on Bosch washing machines. It usually extends or adjusts the wash to reduce energy use compared with faster options.
What Setting to Wash Shirts
Most shirts suit an easy-care, synthetics, or mixed programme at 30°C to 40°C with a moderate spin to reduce creasing.